Nervous laughter: causes, effects, and how to manage it
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Discover what nervous laughter is, what causes it, and its positive and negative effects. Plus, 5 tips to manage this unique response to stress and anxiety.
Nervous laughter usually happens at the worst possible moment. Maybe you’re delivering bad news to a client, and suddenly you start to chuckle — or perhaps you witness a friend trip and fall, and instead of rushing over to help, you find yourself giggling uncontrollably. It can be confusing—and sometimes embarrassing—but nervous laughter is actually a common reaction to stress and anxiety, especially when your body and mind are trying to cope with uncomfortable or intense feelings.
What is nervous laughter?
Nervous laughter is a type of laughter that occurs when you feel anxious, stressed, or uncomfortable. Unlike genuine laughter, which is a natural response to something funny or joyful, nervous laughter happens as a way to cope with feelings of stress or tension. It is an involuntary reaction, meaning you often can't control it, even if you want to.
When we find ourselves in uncomfortable situations, our brains look for ways to ease the tension. Nervous laughter acts as a release valve for these pent-up emotions. For example, you might laugh nervously during a tense conversation or while waiting to speak in front of a crowd. This laughter doesn't mean you find the situation funny — it's simply your body's way of dealing with the discomfort.
What causes nervous laughter?
Psychological factors
Anxiety: Nervous laughter can help you feel momentarily distracted from your worries. For instance, you might laugh nervously before giving a speech or taking a test because you’re anxious about the outcome.
Stress: During stressful situations, nervous laughter can provide a brief escape from tension, helping you to feel slightly more at ease.
Fear: Laughter can be an attempt to mask overwhelming feelings of fear. For example, you might laugh nervously when you find yourself in a frightening situation or when watching a scary movie.
Social awkwardness: In social situations where you feel out of place or uncomfortable, nervous laughter helps you cope with the awkwardness you’re experiencing. For instance, if you are in a new group of people and feel unsure of yourself, you might laugh nervously as a way to fit in.
Physiological responses
Adrenaline: During stressful situations, the body releases adrenaline, a hormone that prepares you for a fight-or-flight response. This rush of adrenaline can cause various physical reactions, including nervous laughter. It’s your body's way of trying to manage the sudden surge of energy and tension.
Fight-or-flight response: The fight-or-flight response is a natural reaction to perceived threats. It prepares your body to either confront the threat or run away from it. Nervous laughter can be a byproduct of this response, as your body seeks to diffuse the heightened tension and anxiety.
Social and cultural influences
Social norms: Sometimes, people laugh nervously to adhere to social norms and expectations, even when they don't feel comfortable. For example, you might laugh nervously at a joke you don’t find funny because everyone else is laughing, and you want to fit in.
Cultural expectations: Different cultures have varying reactions to stress, and these influences can trigger nervous laughter. In some cultures, nervous laughter might be more common as a way to handle discomfort or social pressure.
6 effects of nervous laughter
Negative effects
1. Miscommunication: Nervous laughter can be confusing to others who may not understand why you’re laughing and could misinterpret your intentions. For instance, if you laugh nervously during a serious discussion, the other person might think you’re not taking them seriously. This can lead to misunderstandings and strained relationships, especially in professional or important personal conversations.
2. Social embarrassment: You might feel awkward if you laugh at the wrong time, like during a meeting or at a solemn event. This can make you feel self-conscious and worried about what others think of you. The embarrassment from nervous laughter can sometimes lead to shame, especially if it happens frequently. You might feel bad about yourself or worry that others are judging you, which can negatively affect your self-esteem.
3. Impact on mental health: Frequent nervous laughter can be a sign of high levels of underlying anxiety or stress, which can impact your mental health over time. Instead of helping, nervous laughter might reinforce negative feelings. If it happens often, it can become a habit that keeps you stuck in a cycle of anxiety and stress.
Positive effects
4. Stress relief: Laughter, even if it’s nervous, can help release tension. It may provide a brief moment of relief from the stress you’re feeling, perhaps triggering the release of feel-good brain chemicals and making a challenging situation feel more manageable. This can help improve your mood and reduce stress levels.
5. Social bonding: When we laugh together, even nervously, it can make it easier to connect. In uncomfortable situations, nervous laughter can signal to others that you’re experiencing similar feelings of discomfort. This can encourage empathy and make people feel more connected and supportive of each other.
6. Coping mechanism: Nervous laughter can help you regulate your emotions in difficult situations and sometimes help you see a situation from a different perspective. It can make something that seems daunting feel less serious, helping you approach it with a calmer mindset.
How to manage nervous laughter: 5 tips
Managing nervous laughter involves understanding your triggers and using strategies to work with it. These practical tips can support you through the process of identifying and reducing nervous laughter effectively.
1. Identify patterns and bring mindfulness into those moments
Pay attention to situations that trigger your nervous laughter so you can learn to better manage them. Keeping a journal can help you track and recognize patterns. Write down when and where the laughter occurs and what you were feeling at the time. Be mindful of how your body reacts to stress. Notice if your shoulders tense up, if you start sweating, or if your heart races. Recognizing these physical signs can help you stop nervous laughter before it happens.
Mindfulness techniques can help you stay focused on the present moment, reducing anxiety and stress. Practice mindfulness by paying attention to your breathing, sensations in your body, and the sounds around you. This can help you stay grounded and less likely to laugh nervously.
💙 Try to Shake Off Your Tension with Jay Shetty next time you feel the pressure and anxiety building up inside.
2. Use breathing exercises when you find yourself in stressful situations
Make breathing exercises a regular part of your routine to calm your nervous system. Practicing these techniques daily can help you become more comfortable using them in stressful situations. For example, try to inhale slowly through your nose, hold your breath for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this several times to help reduce anxiety.
Box breathing is another technique used to stay calm under pressure. Inhale for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of four, exhale for a count of four, and hold your breath again for a count of four. This can help you control your breathing and reduce nervous laughter.
💙 If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, Reset with the Breath to calm your nervous system.
3. Try cognitive behavioral techniques to reduce the urge to laugh nervously
Identify and challenge negative thoughts that lead to nervous laughter. Ask yourself if these thoughts are rational or if they’re based on fear and anxiety. Replace negative thoughts with positive, calming ones. Try to see the stressful situation from a different perspective. Instead of viewing it as a threat, think of it as an opportunity to learn and grow. This shift in perspective can reduce anxiety and the likelihood of nervous laughter.
Use positive self-talk to boost your confidence and reduce stress. Remind yourself that it’s okay to feel nervous and that you have the skills to handle the situation. This can help you stay calm and reduce nervous laughter.
💙 Learn to Shift Your Self-Talk with guidance from Jay Shetty.
4. Improve your communication skills to feel more comfortable in different situations
Practice active listening, make eye contact, and respond thoughtfully. Feeling more confident in your social interactions can help reduce nervous laughter. You may even try role-playing different social scenarios to help you prepare for real-life conversations and feel more at ease. Acting out these scenes with a friend or therapist can give you the confidence to handle stressful situations without resorting to nervous laughter.
Join social groups or clubs that interest you. Regularly interacting with others in a relaxed setting can help you become more comfortable and less prone to nervous laughter.
💙 Try your hand at Kind Communication the next time you’re chatting with someone.
5. Seek professional help to address persistent challenges
If nervous laughter is persistent or disruptive, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Therapists can provide personalized strategies and support to help you manage anxiety and stress. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common and effective treatment for anxiety and stress. A therapist can help you identify and change thought patterns that lead to nervous laughter.
Joining a support group can provide a safe space to share your experiences and learn from others who face similar challenges. Hearing how others manage their nervous laughter can provide new insights and techniques.
Nervous laughter FAQs
Is nervous laughter a sign of a deeper psychological issue?
Nervous laughter can sometimes be a sign of deeper psychological issues, especially if it occurs frequently and in situations where it seems inappropriate. It might indicate underlying conditions such as anxiety disorders, social anxiety, or high levels of chronic stress. If you find that your nervous laughter is causing significant distress or interfering with your daily life, it may be helpful to seek the advice of a mental health professional. They can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend appropriate treatment options, such as therapy or medication, to address any underlying issues.
Can nervous laughter be controlled or suppressed?
Yes, nervous laughter can be controlled or suppressed with practice and the right techniques. While it may not be possible to eliminate it entirely, you can learn to manage it. Techniques such as mindfulness and breathing exercises can help you stay calm and reduce the urge to laugh nervously, and cognitive behavioral therapy can teach you to identify and change the thought patterns that trigger nervous laughter. Improving your social skills and building confidence can also reduce the likelihood of nervous laughter. It takes time and effort, but with consistent practice, you can gain better control over this reaction.
What is another word for nervous laughter?
Another term for nervous laughter is "anxious laughter." This term highlights the connection between laughter and feelings of anxiety or nervousness. Both terms describe the same phenomenon — laughter that occurs in response to stress, discomfort, or fear rather than genuine amusement. Using different terms can help clarify the context and cause of the laughter when discussing it with others or seeking help.
Are there any long-term consequences of frequent nervous laughter?
Frequent nervous laughter can have several long-term consequences, particularly if it’s not addressed. Socially, it can lead to misunderstandings and strained relationships, as others might misinterpret your laughter as insensitivity or lack of seriousness. Over time, this can make it harder to build and maintain meaningful connections. Psychologically, frequent nervous laughter can reinforce feelings of anxiety and stress, creating a cycle that is difficult to break. It may also contribute to lowered self-esteem and increased self-consciousness, as you may worry about how others perceive you. Addressing the underlying causes of nervous laughter and learning to manage it can help mitigate these long-term effects.
What is the medical term for nervous laughter?
There isn’t a specific medical term that exclusively refers to nervous laughter. However, it’s often discussed in the context of anxiety disorders and other psychological conditions. In clinical terms, it might be described as a "psychogenic laughter" or "inappropriate affect," which refer to laughter that occurs due to psychological reasons rather than external stimuli. If you’re seeking medical or psychological help for nervous laughter, it’s helpful to describe the behavior and its triggers in detail to your healthcare provider.
Calm your mind. Change your life.
Mental health is hard. Getting support doesn't have to be. The Calm app puts the tools to feel better in your back pocket, with personalized content to manage stress and anxiety, get better sleep, and feel more present in your life.
Images: Getty
